Ijaz Kakakhel
A legislative body of Upper House of parliament on Friday directed the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) to identify officials responsible for licensing non-compliant colleges, recommending an urgent inquiry by the FIA.
The inquiry was ordered during a meeting of sub committee of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, which convened today at Parliament House, while Senator Rubina Khalid was on chair.
Senator Rubina Khalid raised the issue of accrediting nursing education institutions that do not meet the necessary criteria. The committee also proposed revision of the nursing education curriculum in Pakistan and stressed the importance of instilling ethics in nursing students. Additionally, the committee suggested at least one week-long training sessions for inspectors and the inclusion of competent nurses in the Council’s accreditation committee. The sub-committee further recommended that every nursing college should have affiliation with a 250-bed hospital.
The focus of the meeting was the scrutiny of institutions affiliated with the Pakistan Nursing Council, their ties with hospitals, and the issuance of fraudulent degrees/certificates to nurses. The committee issued recommendations for enhancing the standards of nursing institutions.
The convener expressed concern about the absence of the Secretary and Health Minister during the meeting. The committee was briefed that minimum clinical hours for nursing students have been increased, a step applauded by the subcommittee.
The committee welcomed the newly appointed president of the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council, urging active pursuit of pending issues. They expressed support for the new president and anticipated improved standards in nursing.
